The Unplanned Christmas Family by Angie Dicken (An Uplifting Inspirational Romance)

For Natalie it is time for a break from work!  But grandmother's have a way of "roping" you into something that you may not have planned on doing, and such is the case as her grandmother requests her help with a retirement home Christmas fundraiser.  Thad is the director of the retirement home and he and Natalie don't always see eye to eye as fundraising plans move forward.  I love how the author's books are from the state of Iowa, my neighbor state growing up as a child.  I lived "across" the street in a Minnesota border town and my friends and I would ride our bikes "out of state" on a frequent basis. So Iowa really has a warm place in my heart. The setting of the book just makes you feel "cozy".  This was a sweet story of a matchmaker type, which I just love with a feel-good ending.  This is a very nice Christmas read!

I received an ARC copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Her Chance at Family by Angie Dicken (Heartland Sweethearts)

This is a sweet story of Elisa, having been left at the altar and becoming the guardian of her two nieces.  She moves to a newly renovated house and brings along her sweet nieces.  She meets Sean, a landscaper working on her property.  This was a very enjoyable book for me.  I love the location because I grew up "across the street" from the Iowa border.  It's nice to bring back the small town feel memories of my youth.  I enjoyed the interaction of the characters and there is always something that changes the storyline to keep your interest. Elisa needs lots of help as she tries to juggle and balance family life and work life.  I recommend this great read and really look forward to more books from this writer.  I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

His Sweet Surprise by Angie Dicken

A delightful Iowa story.  Love this area, having grown up 1/2 mile from the Iowa border.  The sweet midwestern region comes through in the story details. As Lance returns home to help in the apple orchard, he finds his ex-girlfriend there, along with her cute daughter, Maelyn.  This is a sweet story line of family and the love of family members.  I love the "sweet surprise", as I have personally experienced such surprises in my own family lines.  I love the forgiveness and imperfect families.  It's just a really nice story that you will enjoy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts are my own.  

Once Upon a Farmhouse by Angie Dicken

 I love second chance romance.  I especially loved the Iowa setting having lived across the street from Iowa, literally as a young girl.  The title drew my attention immediately and I ended up totally loving the story.  I love the books that this author writes and the sweet romance!  Yup, loved it! Returning to her grandfather's funeral was touching to me because my husband passed last week and our grandkids were his life.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken

I'm not sure how exactly I feel about this book.  I loved the previous book in the series, but this one was a little on the "uncomfortable" side for me.  The story is a historical fiction version of true events of some more gruesome times of grave robbing and body snatching.   The writing was good but it probably was not the type of book I would usually read.  But that being said, it was a page turner and full of suspense for any reader. 

I thought Josephine was an interesting character to say the least.   And I wondered how I would have handled the situation she found herself in?  Definitely an interesting read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah by Angie Dicken

I was really excited to read this book, being a Utahn and so was thrilled to have a chance to review it.

Being as it was a historical about Utah, of course, my first thought would be that it would be about Mormons as a theme, but was surprised that is was about the early Greek population.  I learned a few things I didn't know.  And yes there was a Greek Town in Salt Lake City, as I pass by it every day on the way to and from work.  What I didn't realize was that they were prejudiced against in that time period.  I have Greek friends and that never even crossed my mind. 

This book was really interesting to this Utahn because it was fun to learn things about my state that I didn't know.  I enjoyed it a lot and the challenges that this group of people faced taught me some very sobering facts. 

This is a new author to me and I am sure I will be looking for other books she has written. Very good job!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.